Next steps announced to boost road safety and close mobile phone loophole

Using a hand-held mobile phone or sat-nav while driving is illegal

It will become illegal for drivers to pick up and use their mobile, under new government plans to close a legislation loophole and improve road safety.

It’s already a criminal offence to use a hand-held mobile phone to call or text while driving, but not for other actions such as taking photos or playing music.

A consultation has been launched on the plans to be enacted next year – meaning drivers caught taking photos, playing games or scrolling through a playlist behind the wheel will be clearly breaking the law on mobile phone use.

Contactless payment using a mobile will be allowed under an exemption: if the vehicle is stationary and if goods or services – such as a takeaway meal – are delivered immediately.

Ministers have rejected calls to go further by banning the use of hands-free functions – drivers will still be able to continue safely using devices ‘hands-free’ while driving, such as a sat-nav secured in a cradle.

Roads minister Baroness Vere said: “We’re looking to strengthen the law to make using a hand-held phone while driving illegal in a wider range of circumstances – it’s distracting and dangerous and for too long risky drivers have been able to escape punishment but this update will mean those doing the wrong thing will face the full force of the law.”

National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Roads Policing, Chief Constable Anthony Bangham, said: “Using a mobile phone while driving is incredibly dangerous and being distracted at the wheel can change lives forever.

“Police will take robust action against those using a hand-held mobile phone illegally and proposals to make the law clearer are welcome.”

The penalties currently in place for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving are six penalty points and a £200 fine.